Atmospheric rivers are storms akin to rivers in the sky that dump massive amounts of rain and can cause flooding, trigger mudslides and result in loss of life and enormous property damage.
Weather
What are atmospheric rivers and why do they cause flooding?
Prairie forecast: Colder weather moving in with the New Year
Forecast issued Dec. 31, covering Dec. 31 to January 8, 2025
For this forecast period, it looks like the quiet weather pattern will continue as the weather models are not showing any big storm systems impacting the Prairies. We should continue our slow cooldown with temperatures during most of this forecast period looking to be near to below average.
Prairie forecast: Mild, quiet holidays expected
Forecast issued Dec. 24, covering Dec. 24 to Dec. 31, 2024
The weather for this forecast period will be largely controlled by a large, stationary area of low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska. This has been sending wave after wave over energy into coastal B.C. This will result in a predominately west to southwesterly flow across the Prairies—meaning a continuation of mild temperatures as Pacific air dominates.
Prairie forecast: Cold start, but then turning mild
Forecast issued Dec. 18, covering Dec. 18 to 25, 2024
To start this forecast period, we have a strong area of Arctic high pressure dropping southeastwards behind the area of low pressure that hit the eastern Prairies earlier in the week. This high will bring a quick shot of cold weather to Saskatchewan and Manitoba from Wednesday to Friday.
More than 50 per cent chance of La Niña in coming months, WMO says
There is more than a 50 per cent chance of La Niña developing in the next three months, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday, but if it does it will be relatively weak and short-lived.
Prairie forecast: Cold start for the east, overall warm, dry expected
Forecast issued Dec. 11, 2024, covering Dec. 11 – Dec. 18, 2024
To start this forecast period, the strong area of low pressure that tracked through the eastern Prairies is now over Hudson Bay. The rotation around this low is opening the door for a strong, very cold Arctic high to build southwards into the eastern Prairies. This looks to bring some of the coldest temperatures so far this winter to eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. The good news is that it doesn't look like the cold air will stick around long.
More precipitation at the start of winter says Environment and Climate Change Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) presented its winter seasonal outlook on Dec. 4. Officials said they expect temperatures across the country to be close to or above normal for the beginning of winter. However, they pointed out Western Canada is likely to experience normal to below normal temperatures come January and February.
Prairie forecast: Melting in the west, milder in the east
Forecast issued Dec. 4, covering Dec. 4 to 11, 2024
Things are looking not too bad for those who want to see snow or deep freeze temperatures. As we start this forecast period, a strong area of Arctic high pressure is dropping southeastwards over the eastern Prairies behind the strong area of low pressure that zipped through on Tuesday. Over the western Prairies, the weather models show a strong ridge of high pressure building over B.C. which is expected to transition eastwards.
Prairie forecast: Short cold snap, then warmer
Forecast issued Nov. 27, covering Nov. 27 to Dec. 4, 2024
For this forecast period, it looks like some of the coldest air of the season is on its way to Saskatchewan while most of Alberta and Manitoba appear to miss the really cold stuff. The weather models are not showing any strong storm systems impacting the region but there a few weak systems that may bring a light shot of snow here and there.
Prairie forecast: Winter settles in
Forecast issued Nov. 20, covering Nov. 20 to 27, 2024
You might be happy to know (or maybe not) that for this forecast period we should see a quieter but colder weather pattern across the Prairies. Arctic high pressure will be pulled southwards behind the eastern Prairie low and brings the first really taste of winter.